Action’s needed, not plans

PREMIER Annastacia Palaszczuk told this week’s Queensland Resources Council luncheon that the Labor State Government had committed to developing a supply chain strategy for the North West Minerals Province.

Undoubtedly having the Premier acknowledge the huge potential of that resource- rich region is important.

Ms Palaszczuk and her government are enamoured with the renewables boom and the rare earth metals in that area could provide big economic benefits to the whole state.

The only frustration people will have is they are weary of strategy documents being created. In 2015, the State Government established a taskforce for the North West Minerals Province to scope issues facing the sector.

Then last year the Government committed to a four- year strategic blueprint for the region. How the Premier’s latest announcement dovetails into this is not yet clear.

According to Katter’s Australian Party MP Robbie Katter three strategies had already been created without any follow up action.

However, Mr Katter says the issues for the region are clear. Government needs to solve road, rail, power and water for the resource boom to fully flourish. We need action, not more plans. Townsville City Council faces similar criticism for its penchant for consultants’ reports and studies without the follow through. The eyesore that is the North Yard Rail Workshop could be considered an example of that.

While it’s unfair to be too critical of the council on this project given the State Government did sell the authority a contaminated site with heritage- listed sheds, it is interesting that the council is again seeking a development partner after its failed attempt to do so in 2013.

It would be great to see that site improved and the council is doing the right thing in trying to do so. We can only hope it reaps the rewards of the time and money spent on the project.